Description: Mission Statement: Through collaborative performance and lifelong learning opportunities, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain the skills and confidence to engage with the world. Philosophy: We believe that when people make their own choices and are engaged, stimulated, challenged and inspired, they surpass both their own and others’ expectations. Vision: To build an inclusive world where everyone can perform their art out.

Description: This information sheet is provided to help you recognize and understand sports concussion. Neurologists from the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) are doctors who identify and treat diseases of the brain and nervous system. The following evidence-based information* is provided by experts who carefully reviewed all available scientific studies on evaluating and managing sports concussion in athletes. Concussion is a serious health issue.

Description: Serving Up MyPlate is a new collection of classroom materials that helps elementary school teachers integrate nutrition education into Math, Science, English Language Arts, and Health. This yummy curriculum introduces the importance of eating from all five food groups using the MyPlate icon and a variety of hands–on activities. Students also learn the importance of physical activity to staying healthy. These materials includes a colorful 4 page booklet for parents in English, Spanish,...

Description: WonderBaby.org, a project funded by Perkins School for the Blind, is dedicated to helping parents of young children with visual impairments as well as children with multiple disabilities. Here you'll find a database of articles written by parents who want to share with others what they've learned about playing with and teaching a blind child, as well as links to meaningful resources and ways to connect with other families.

Description: REAP, stands for the four essential elements of concussion treatment and management: R- Reduce physical and cognitive, or mental demands, E- Educate the student athlete, families, educators, coaches and medical professionals on all of the potential symptoms, A- Accommodate for the student athlete academically, P- Pace the student athlete back to activity, play, and learning. REAP helps families, schools and medical professionals develop a multidisciplinary team around the student athlete to help...

Description: Special Olympics Virginia is a year-round program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. We serve more than 11,000 athletes through seven regional offices and 30 area programs. We are one of 52 U.S. programs, and part of a global movement that serves more than 3.7 million athletes in more than 170 counties.

Description: Sensory-friendly performances are designed to create a theater experience that is welcoming to all families with children on the autism spectrum or with other disabilities that create sensory sensitivities.

Description: Your area’s best sports, classes, camps and academic programs are all just a few clicks away. It’s the only resource you’ll ever need to plan your children’s schedules. And it’s 100% FREE to parents. Now you can: Search and book activities by tuition, children’s ages, locations, times and dates. Compare classes side by side and see what other parents have to say about your top choices "Favorite" providers and activities for later when you have more time, or...

Description: iCan Shine provides quality learning opportunities in recreational activities for individuals with disabilities. By creating an environment where each person is empowered to maximize their individual abilities, everyone can shine! There are several locations in Virginia.

Description: Under mandate of federal and state law, VBPD works to promote and guide public policy changes and create opportunities for new approaches in our service delivery systems. VBPD is proud to have enriched the lives of Virginians with developmental and other disabilities by investing in over 200 best practice, model demonstration and research grant projects that have created change in the areas of education, employment, housing, early intervention, transportation, recreation, and community...

Description: Premature return to play for the concussed pediatric athlete may result in devastating neurological injury. Identification of at-risk patients and ideal management of the concussed athlete remain challenging for the pediatrician. The authors review a case of second impact syndrome in which neuroimaging was obtained between the first and second impacts, a circumstance which to their knowledge has not been previously reported. This case offers new insights into the underlying pathophysiology of...

Description: Physicians at Indiana University School of Medicine and the Northwest Radiology Network (Indianapolis, Indiana) report the case of a 17-year-old high school football player with second impact syndrome (SIS). A rare and devastating traumatic brain injury, SIS occurs when a person, most often a teenager, sustains a second head injury before recovery from an earlier head injury is complete.

Description: This PBS News video discusses a new study that demonstrates the connection between repetitive head injuries in athletes and a degenerative brain disease known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE.

Description: Theses resources for working with children with Blindness or Visual Impairment are available from the TTAC Lending Resources from the Kellar Library at George Mason University. No time to come to the library? No problem! Most items can be mailed to your school or home address. To see a list of resources, click on the attachment. (parent, parents) If you are interested in the Virginia Consortium for Teacher Preparation in Vision Impairment, click the website listed beside "visit."

Description: The WATI website provides the resource manual for Assessing Student's Needs for Assistive Technology (ASNA): the complete version and by individual chapters. The WATI Student Information Guide Process Forms (AT for Seating, Positioning and Mobility, AT for Communication, AT for Computer Access, AT for Motor Aspects of Writing, AT for Composition of Written Material, AT for Reading, AT for Mathematics, AT for Organization, AT for Recreation and Leisure, AT for Blind / Low Vision, AT for Deaf /...

Description: The third annual issue, which appeared in September, 2012, is packed with resources for teachers, leaders, professional development providers and families. Articles range from Tackling Children’s Weight Issues Through Music Therapy to Because I Said So: Effective Strategies for Dealing with Challenging Behavior. This issue also includes ideas, resources, international perspectives, and podcasts you can participate in.

Description: The following information is provided to assist educational teams in considering assistive technology in the development, review, and/or revision of a student’s Individual Educational Plan. This document provides a framework for identifying relevant tasks within instructional areas as well as appropriate accommodations, modifications, and technology solutions. This is not an exhaustive list. Additional tasks and solutions will need to be added to address individual student needs. This...

Description: This site contains information about preventing injuries: at home, at play, and on the way for parents, educators, media and safety professionals. There are local coalitions in Virginia that can be accessed through this site.

Description: Morphonix™LLC is developing a series of video games that makes abstract concepts of brain science fun and comprehensible to children and teens. Many software games spur kids to use their brains, but this is the first series of video games that also teaches children the science of their brains. These games must be purchased.

Description: BrainPOP creates animated, curricular content that engages students, supports educators, and bolsters achievement. Our award-winning online educational resources include BrainPOP Jr. (K-3), BrainPOP, BrainPOP Español, and, for English language learners, BrainPOP ESL. BrainPOP is also home to GameUp, an educational games portal for the classroom. There is a cost to subscribe. (BrainPop is available in Spanish.)

Description: What is a concussion? A concussion is a type of brain injury that changes the way the brain normally works. A concussion is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Even what seems to be a mild bump to the head can be serious. Concussions can have a more serious effect on a young,developing brain and need to be addressed correctly. What are the signs and symptoms of a concussion?...

Description: To help coaches, parents and athletes properly identify and respond to a concussion, CDC, in partnership with leading experts and organizations, developed the HEADS UP: Concussion in High School Sports initiative and materials. (CDC- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Specific Concussion Information for: Coaches Parents Sports Officials Teen Athletes

Description: To help ensure the health and safety of young athletes, CDC developed the HEADS UP Concussion in Youth Sports initiative to offer information about concussions to coaches, parents, and athletes involved in youth sports. The HEADS UP initiative provides important information on preventing, recognizing, and responding to a concussion. (CDC- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Specific Concussion Information for: Coaches Parents Sports Officials Young Athletes

Description: There are many ways to help reduce the risk of a concussion or other serious brain injury both on and off the sports field, including: General Prevention, All Sports Baseball Basketball Cheerleading Field Hockey Football Ice Hockey Lacrosse Soccer Softball Volleyball Wrestling (CDC-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Description: Traumatic injury is the leading cause of death among children age one and older, with many survivors enduring the consequences of brain and spinal cord injuries. The physical, emotional, psychological and learning problems that affect injured children, along with the associated costs, make reducing traumatic injuries a high priority for health and safety advocates throughout the nation.

Description: Traumatic injuries are the leading cause of death among teens - in fact, teens and young adults are in the highest risk group for injuries. The most frequent causes are motor vehicle crashes, violence, falls and sports and recreation. Among the most serious injuries are those to the brain and spinal cord, often leading to long term or permanent disabilities that can affect a person's thinking, speaking, ability to walk, move or even breathe as they could before the injury. The majority of...

Description: ThinkFirst for Youth is for students in grades four through eight - an important time to help students learn the importance of protecting themselves, as they are increasingly faced with decision-making challenges involving their safety. Anatomy lessons and classroom activities help students develop a practical understanding of their body's abilities, limitations and vulnerablilty for injuries. Exercises build communication and conflict resolution skills, increasing self confidence and the...

Description: Assistive technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment or product that can be used to help someone with a disability successfully function at home, in school, at work, and in the community. This resource provides visual examples of a range of AT products to help parents who are beginning their search for assistive technology.This fact sheet includes basic questions to be considered when trying to identify assistive technology devices that will best suit your child and illustrated examples of...

Description: AbleData provides objective information on assistive technology and rehabilitation equipment available from domestic and international sources to consumers, organizations, professionals, and caregivers within the United States. We serve the nation's disability, rehabilitation, and senior communities. (parents, parent)

Description: As concussions and other injuries are on the rise, Mason’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) is joining forces with the Central Loudoun Youth Football League (CLYFL) in Loudoun County, Va., and the National Sports Medicine Institute. The partnership will work to improve youth sport safety through on-site medical care and professional expertise from athletic trainers and physicians who will help craft future league safety policies.

Description: Tummy Time Tools provides parents with ideas and activities to make sure your baby gets enough time on his tummy throughout the day, while he is awake and supervised. These activities include handling, carrying, diapering, positioning, feeding, and playing with your baby. It can also be downloaded in Spanish, French, Portugese, Japanese, German and Swedish. (parent, Family Involvement Resources)

Description: Best Buddies is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). (National Organizations)

Description: Welcome to MDA’s new Transitions Resource Center, a site focused on the needs, goals and hopes of young people with neuromuscular disease! Each year in the United States, nearly half a million youth with disabilities and chronic health conditions cross into adulthood — and the numbers continue to grow. However, barriers continue to exist for young people seeking higher education, employment and independent living. (National Organizations)

Description: The mission of the TRACE Center is to prevent the barriers and capitalize on the opportunities presented by current and emerging information and telecommunication technologies, in order to create a world that is as accessible and usable as possible for as many people as possible. (National Organizations)

Description: The American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) is the largest national membership organization representing the interests and needs of recreational therapists. Recreational therapists are healthcare providers who use recreational therapy interventions for improved functioning of individuals with illness or disabling conditions. (National Organizations)

Description: The mission of the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability (NCPAD) is to promote substantial health benefits that can be gained from participating in regular physical activity. The slogan of NCPAD is Exercise is for EVERY body, and every person can gain some health benefit from being more physically active. This site provides information and resources that can enable people with disabilities to become as physically active as they choose to be. (Adapted PE, National Organizations)

Description: Since 1967, Disabled Sports USA has focused on one goal: To improve the lives of wounded warriors, youth and adults with disabilities by providing sports and recreation opportunities. Disabilities include those with visual impairments, amputations, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, head injury, cerebral palsy, other neuromuscular/orthopedic conditions, autism and related intellectual disabilities.

Description: Easter Seals provides exceptional services, education, outreach, and advocacy so that people living with autism and other disabilities can live, learn, work and play in our communities. (National Organizations)

Description: The Post-High School Outcomes of Young Adults With Disabilities up to 8 Years After High School: Key Findings From the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 is a report that uses data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 dataset to provide a national picture of post-high school outcomes for students with disabilities. The report describes the experiences and outcomes of young adults with disabilities in postsecondary education, employment, independence, and social domains during...

Description: The mission of the Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS) is to ensure that Virginians of all ages and abilities can acquire the appropriate, affordable assistive and information technologies and services they need to participate in society as active citizens.

Description: This document from the U.S. Department of Education discusses IDEA's physical education requirements for students with disabilities. Its purposes are to disseminate information on improving opportunities for children and youth to access PE and athletics and to refer the reader to sources of additional information regarding the inclusion of children and youth with disabilities in PE and athletic extracurricular activities.

Description: Since 1994, Toys "R" Us has offered the Toys "R" Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids as a resource for family and friends of children with special needs. This guide provides quality items that help foster a variety of skills.

Description: Do2learn provides thousands of free pages with social skills and behavioral regulation activities and guidance, learning songs and games, communication cards, academic material, and transition guides for employment and life skills. In addition, we offer premier products including View2do, JobTIPS, FACELAND, books, and apps for purchase. We believe that simply telling busy teachers, parents, and professionals what they should be doing is not enough. Within each topic, we provide the...

Description: A website/blog developed by Paula Kluth to help teachers reach and teach all learners in K-12 classrooms. Here's her description: "If you are interested in differentiation, active & responsive instruction, and inclusive schooling, you have come to the right spot. Every day, I will feature a link to an idea found on the web or to an entire website that will help educators reach and teach all of the learners in their diverse classrooms." (Math, Reading/Language Arts, Science, Physical...

Description: This book provides parents and caregivers with information and ideas to encourage their child’s development. The book is divided into six categories: cognitive, linguistic, physical, sensory, social, and emotional. An outline of child development is also provided so parents can look at child’s progress in context. (2008) (Family involvement resources)

Description: This resource offers 93 brief messages for parents on topics ranging from biting to developing children’s literacy—all ready for teachers to tailor to their individual programs’ needs or to use as is to strengthen communication between programs and families. Each message can also be adapted for newsletters, family packets, parent-teacher conferences, bulletin boards, or parent handouts. Includes dozens of innovative strategies for bringing parents on board in your program.

Description: ep (Exceptional Parent) is a 42-year-old, award-winning publishing and communications company. ep provides practical advice, emotional support and the most up-to-date educational information for families of children and adults with disabilities and special healthcare needs as well as to the physicians, allied health care professionals, and educational professionals who are involved in their care and development. (Registration is free.)